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God, why so quiet?

Let’s be honest. There are times when we would think that God doesn’t seem to hear or see our situation, especially when it’s challenging and chaotic, and everything just seems to be going out of control. You can’t help but worry and doubt and question, “God, where are you in all of these? Can’t you see me? Can’t you see how bad everything looks right now? Aren’t you going to do something about this? You know I can’t, but can you? Will you?”

Then disappointments turn to doubts, doubts turn to disbelief, and disbelief turns to resentment. And we find ourselves in a place where it is just so hard to trust God anymore, simply because He didn’t seem to respond when we called on Him. He didn’t give the answer or solution we were expecting. And we think we know better than Him–we know better how the problems must be solved. This is us; this is how we think very often.

But this Biblical passage by Isaiah smacks us in the face and simply reminds us that the Lord is the everlasting God–are we forgetting that He is the Creator of all? He is immeasurable. He doesn’t get tired out. He knows everything (also in 1 John 3:20). He sees everything (see Hebrews 4:13).

He is most definitely aware of what your whining about, and knows about all your worries and doubts. Before we even said a word, He knows it already (Psalm 139:4). And believe it or not, because He knows us, He understands us. He understands us perfectly.

God knows what He’s doing. We are limited, but He’s not (Psalm 147:5). It is us who have limited understanding. He said in Isaiah 55:9 that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. However, because of our undying attempt at control, we find this hard to believe. And we tire ourselves out in the process, and the waiting time becomes long and exasperating. Then we lose our patience; eventually, our trust in Him.

But here’s the main thing: Isaiah goes on and says that Yahweh energises those who get tired, and He gives fresh strength to the weak; and that no matter how young and old you are, you will get tired and fail. It’s inescapable. But all who plugs in to the Lord, the main and only legitimate source of power and strength, will renew theirs. They will continue to have the energy to wait, to hope, to trust, to praise and to serve the Lord in the middle of trouble. And the promise is they will not get tired, they will not lag behind.

And so, when God seems quiet and distant, know that this is the perfect time to learn how to seek His strength more than ever to enable you to trust Him with the things that you don’t understand, that don’t make sense to you. Remember how kind and faithful He already is to you, and hold on to how good He always has been.

His response may not be quick or instant, (as we all love instant, we live in an “instant world”), but know that He is never late, and He is never too busy for you. He’s heard your call, He’s never missed one. And His answer is on its way, and will arrive at the time and place He’s already set. Let your strength be renewed; let your faith be restored. He got it all covered, in Jesus’ name.